A state of discomfort and shame, caused by a sense of guilt over something that has been said or done.
Embarrassment may be a sign of misunderstanding or mistrust
John 13:6–8 See also Mark 2:16–17 Jesus Christ's enemies approached the disciples knowing they would be embarrassed by the company he was keeping; Mark 3:21 The family of Jesus Christ were embarrassed by what they were hearing about him.
He came to Simon Peter, who asked Him, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” “Never shall You wash my feet!” Peter told Him. Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.”
Love includes not causing unnecessary embarrassment
When you lend anything to your neighbor, do not enter his house to collect security. You are to stand outside while the man to whom you are lending brings the security out to you.
Embarrassment caused by another person
See also 2 Kings 8:11 Elisha's fixed gaze embarrassed Hazael who, as the following verses suggest, may already have had a guilty conscience.
Embarrassment may motivate actions
Doing right may be embarrassing
He said to them, “You know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with a foreigner or visit him. But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean. So when I was invited, I came without objection. I ask, then, why have you sent for me?”
Embarrassment may motivate wrong behaviour
The king was consumed with sorrow, but because of his oaths and his guests, he did not want to refuse her. So without delay, the king commanded that John’s head be brought in. He sent an executioner, who went and beheaded him in the prison.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.